By Cindy Chung, News Correspondent
Whether it is used for prayer, meditation or yoga, the Sacred Space acts as Northeastern’s on-campus spiritual center.
Now, with the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) releasing a three-part broadcast called “God in America,” which features the Sacred Space, the spiritual hub will receive national attention.
The broadcast will air at 9 p.m. from Oct. 11 to Oct. 13. As a companion outreach campaign, PBS is featuring the Sacred Space in their Guide to Boston Sacred Spaces.
“I think PBS was impressed by our philosophy,” said Shelli Jankowski-Smith, director of spiritual life at Northeastern University. “One denomination doesn’t rule over everything – everyone has a voice at the table.”
The Sacred Space was selected as one of 100 locations in the country based on criteria such as architecture, beauty and philosophy. Out of those, only three locations are on college campuses. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology Chapel and Emory University’s Cannon Chapel were the other two campus-based locations, according to the broadcast’s website.
“When the Space was built, it was pretty much a groundbreaking venture [because] there were very few sacred spaces in the country that were interfaith and on college campuses,” Jankowski-Smith said. “Since that time, there has been a movement for colleges to build spaces like that, but ours was one of the first.”
The Space was designed 12 years ago by Northeastern alumni.
“The space allows for a public but university-focused place for religious expression, which allows other NU students to familiarize themselves with the religions of their peers,” said Whitney Kelting, religion professor. “It also seems to serve as an advocate for religious communities on campus.”
Some students said they agreed, and find the space valuable.
Omar Duwaji, senior accounting major, said he uses the Sacred Space almost every day.
“I really feel that I need to be here at certain points in the day because it helps me put things in perspective,” Duwaji said. “I find it so fulfilling.”
The Sacred Space caters to all faiths and focuses on prayer, contemplation and meditation, according to its website.
“In addition to being functional for everyone to worship in peace and quiet, it’s kind of fascinating that people of all religions can use the room,” said Nick Osborne, freshman communication studies and theatre major.
Jankowski-Smith said the Sacred Space emphasizes the positive message most religions send above discrepancies between them.
“College campuses have the potential to help build mutual understandings of people of all faiths before they go out into the world,” Jankowski-Smith said.
PBS’ Guide to Sacred Spaces can be found at Pbs.org/godinamerica/.
